Faster and cheaper approvals for home owners

Changes to the Housing Code will make it easier, cheaper and faster for home owners in NSW to get approval for a new home or renovation.

The new Housing Code will simplify the planning rules for homes approved under a fast-tracked complying development pathway.

For the first time, the code will include easy-to-follow diagrams, making it easier to understand the building standards that must be met when building or renovating.

Approvals for complying development can be issued within as little as 20 days, compared to 71 days on average for a development application. Home owners under a complying development can save up to $15,000 when building a new home.

Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said the new code had a strong customer focus.

“This new code will save home owners time and money in constructing new homes and undertaking home renovations,” Mr Roberts said.

“Simplifying the code means people can build a new one or two-storey home, add a bedroom or build a new carport without needing to be a planning expert or a lawyer to understand the rules”.